Police investigating alleged threats made against Montpelier school
Two rifles seized by authorities
Two rifles seized by authorities
Two rifles seized by authorities
Officials with the Montpelier Police Department on Thursday confirmed additional information surrounding an investigation into alleged threats made toward the local high school.
Police said the student who allegedly made threats was an 18-year-old man, whose name is being withheld. The rifles seized from his home were both legally owned, police said, and there is no evidence they were ever on school grounds.
This is a new update. The original report, as published Wednesday evening, can be found below.
Police are investigating alleged threats made last week against the high school in Vermont's capital city, releasing details publicly for the first time Wednesday evening.
Montpelier police report seizing a hunting rifle and "AR-style" rifle, along with magazines and ammunition, at a home after a student reportedly made threats against the school. That action was taken on May 17 after an extreme risk protection order was issued, though it remains unclear when the alleged threats were made.
No arrests have been made at the time of this report. Superintended Libby Bonesteel said in a statement the student will not return to the high school this year and is cooperating with officials.
"We did not announce this event publicly in the hopes that we could protect the people who came forward with information," Bonesteel wrote.
Those people, she added, included one student and multiple staff members who said they overheard the threats.
Local police were assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives in addition to the county's top prosecutor. Bonesteel said the agencies offered a quick response, describing them as a "true and valued" partner.
Montpelier Mayor Anne Watson expressed similar feelings on cooperation from law enforcement.
"I'm proud of the work the police have done and working closely with the school district," Mayor Anne Watson said.
Police said in a social media post no additional information would be released as the investigation continues.
District officials said social workers and school counselors are available for any students who are struggling with news of the information.